Florida Space Day Promotes Space Industry Impact

Event Touts Local Economic Significance

BREVARD COUNTY • KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA – Representatives from Florida’s aerospace industry will visit Tallahassee on Wednesday, March 6 to participate in Florida Space Day and share with legislators the opportunities the industry brings to Florida and the nation’s space program.

Florida Space Day on March 6 in Tallahassee will bring together representatives from Florida’s aerospace industry and government legislators to promote opportunities the industry brings to Florida and its economic impact. (Shutterstock image)

“Since Florida is the third-largest space industry in the nation, the decisions made in both Tallahassee and Washington D.C. in regard to the space program will greatly affect the state,” said Don M. White Jr., chairman of Florida Space Day 2013.

This year’s event is critical, as the state’s space industry continues to expand and change to face the dynamic international marketplace. In addition to more traditional space-related industries like space launches, ground and payload processing, and satellite programs, industries with less traditional ties to space – like clean energy, environmental monitoring, cyber security and life sciences/pharma – will also serve as key contributors to Florida’s near-term space economy.

During Space Day, industry leaders and other aerospace supporters will meet with House and Senate members, as well as the lieutenant governor, to discuss these growing areas of the state’s $8 billion space industry, and determine the best strategies for leveraging these markets for Florida’s benefit in the years ahead.

“Aerospace means business and that translates into high tech, high paying jobs for Florida,” said White. “It’s imperative that Florida’s legislators, local officials and business community continue to work together to position the state to capture new opportunities as this industry transitions.”

With Florida’s tested capabilities, it is poised to continue capitalizing on emerging aerospace opportunities. Home to two of just eight commercially-licensed spaceports in the country, Florida is one of only three states conducting commercial orbital launches.

“We want Florida to continue its aggressive stance to create a robust atmosphere for space business,” said White.

Florida Space Day is a milestone event that presents an opportunity to educate and bring top of mind awareness to Florida legislators on the significance of the aerospace industry and its impact on Florida’s economy.